D.C. bars that underpour subject to hefty fines

WASHINGTON – Those who’ve been stiffed at their local bar may get some backup.

The Washington Post reports investigators with the District’s Office of Weights & Measures recently surprised some establishments along the H Street Corridor in Northeast to do spot checks on how much alcohol they were pouring.

The investigation reportedly was prompted by complaints from customers who said they weren’t getting the proper amount.

Hilder Gill, a spokesman for the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, tells the Post the “outreach” was “purely educational” and no fines were issued.

But some D.C. bars were surprised to learn they could be fined up to $2,000 for underpouring.

Businesses also are required to register all measuring devices, the Post says. Using a device that hasn’t been inspected also could bring a hefty fine.